Xero opens up 200,000 customers with IT channel program

Cloud accounting vendor Xero has launched its first formal channel program for IT resellers and integrators in Australia.

While Xero already has at least 60 integration partners, the program – launched at its Xerocon event in Melbourne on Wednesday – is the New Zealand company's first formal program to support and incentivise the IT channel. The program boasts partner tiers and participants must pass knowledge tests.

It’s an opportunity for IT providers to gain exposure to Xero’s growing customer base of more than 200,000 users in Australia, though partners won’t be reselling Xero.

Rather, the IT channel will compliment accountants and bookkeepers by offering IT services, and can also be rewarded for referring new Xero customers. Xero’s core reseller channel is accountants, and that is not changing.

Xero splits its IT partners into two categories. The first is called the Cloud Seller Track, aimed at partners that specialise in applications such as Google for Work, Office 365, Salesforce and Adobe Creative Cloud. 

As Cloud Sellers demonstrate the ability to refer plenty of customers, they will be tiered across two levels – Authorised or Preferred.

The second group is called the Cloud Integrator Track. For Cloud Integrators, the number of integrations they perform determines whether they are ranked as Authorised or Preferred.

Applying for the program includes a multiple choice Xero knowledge test with five to 10 questions.

Xero’s list of cloud integrator partners includes the likes of Paradyne, Rype and CompNow.